Spreading suppurative pneumonitis.

PuLlmonary cavitation not associated with specific inflammations of the lung has been increasingly recognized in recent years, and we now feel justified in presenting a study of a condition which we describe as " spreading suppurative pneumonitis." To differentiate this condition from others associated with cavity formation, we also suggest a new classification of excavating lung lesions. The generic term " pneumonitis " is used in preference to " pneumonia " because the latter has become associated with specific types of lung consolidation. The material for this study has been obtained from admissions to the Harefield Thoracic Surgical Unit over a period of five years. All cases admitted as pneumonitis or lung abscess were examined, and 27 of these were chosen as fulfilling certain criteria, namely, spreading pneumonitic changes associated with cavity formation, and a productive cough with purulent sputum. Cases in which there was any doubt whether the lesion belonged to the group under discussion were excluded.